Light Laboratory presents Astronomy & Art

Welcome to this special Science Week workshop, inspired by the theme Then.Today.Tomorrow. where we invite you to explore the relationship between astronomy, architecture, and geometric design.

The workshop begins with a guided tour Ireland’s only university observatory, the historic Crawford Observatory, where you will learn about the instruments and architectural features that shaped Cork’s astronomical legacy.

Following the tour, we will move to the Dr Dora Allman Room with panoramic views of the campus and city for a hands-on creative workshop with artist Dominic Fee. Inspired by the observatory’s distinctive hexagonal roof, Dominic will guide you in creating your own geometric designs using compasses. This hands-on session invites you to explore the beauty of repeating patterns and the role of geometry in both science and art.

As we reflect on the theme Then.Today.Tomorrow. we ask: What can looking to the past tell us about the future? By studying historical tools and architectural forms, we gain insight into how earlier generations understood the cosmos. These perspectives help us imagine new possibilities — not just in science, but in how we interpret and represent the universe through creative practice.

Optical science plays a vital role in this journey. From the telescopes housed in observatories to the lenses and prisms that reveal the hidden properties of light, optical science has shaped our understanding of the universe. It allows us to observe distant galaxies, decode the structure of stars, and even explore the microscopic patterns in nature that inspire artistic design. By connecting the precision of optics with the creativity of geometry, we celebrate how light — both as a physical phenomenon and a metaphor — illuminates our path from past discoveries to future innovations.

Dominic Fee is a visual artist and educator based in Ireland. His artworks which comprise printmaking, mixed-media sculpture, moving image and site-specific installation have been exhibited in Ireland and internationally.

Within fine art printmaking Dominic has an extensive history of professional mentoring and editioning of prints for publication in all major disciplines. These include lithography, screen printing, relief processes, etching (traditional and photographic) and digital techniques and has substantial experience working in several art colleges including Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork and Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway.

For more please visit https://dominicfee.info/

Spaces are limited and your place will only be confirmed once the organiser contacts you directly.

Funded by Research Ireland under the Discover Science Week programme.

Materials List

Participants should bring:

• - A drawing compass (essential for creating geometric patterns)

Provided on-site:

• - Drawing paper
• - Pencils and erasers
• - Rulers
• - Light refreshments

Accessibility: Unfortunately the Crawford Observatory as a heritage building is not accessible.

How can I get there?

Public transport via Western Road bus route 205 https://www.buseireann.ie/routes-and-timetables/205 and 208 https://www.buseireann.ie/routes-and-timetables/208

TFI Bikes: Nearest bike stands Gaol Walk and College View

Parking: There is some parking on the UCC campus on Sundays on a first come, first served basis.